Electric-circuit-controlling appliance



April 22, 1930; J. sAcHs ELECTRIC CIRCUIT CONTROLLING APPLIANCE Original Filed March 10 1927 4 Sheets-Sheet tturmy April 22, 1930. J. SACHS ELECTRIC CIRCUIT CONTROLLING APPLIANCE riginal Filed March 10,

1927 4 Sheets-$heet tarnqy M E M5 Am 5h mm m J April 22, 1930. J. SACHS 1,755,367

' ELECTRIC CIRCUIT CONTROLLING APPLIANCE Original Filed March 10, 1927 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 April 22, 1930. J. SACHS ELECTRIC CIRCUIT CONTROLLING APPLIANCE Original Filed March 10, 1927 4 Sheets-Sheet Fig 15 l The inventiongrelatesto a circuit ntro1-- scribed the switching member can Patented A r. 22, 1930 UNITED STATES Josnrn SACHS, or WEST HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT ELECTRIC-GIRCUIT-CONTROLLING- APPLIANCE Application filed March 10, 1927, Serialling appliance, such as a fused swi ch and it is especially applicable to a fused switch having the fuse contacts thereof at the front No. 174,350. Renewed December. 7 ,1929.

be easily removed in the forward direction.

In accordance with the present invention the fuse contacts and the switch contacts are and having the switching device located at mounted in fixed relationship, with each 10 able least in part in the space between a transverse plane through the fuse contacts and a rear supporting wall. The switching device preferably includes a sliding member movparallelly with the rear supporting wall. A construction embodying the present invention is similar in many respects to those dis: closed in my copending applications for electric circuit controlling appliance, Serial No. 153,966 filed Dec. 10th, 1926 and for electric circuit controlling appliance,'Serial N o. 165,-

In the first said copending application I have disclosed a fused switch having a basewith fuse contacts carried thereby at the front and with stationary switch contacts also carried thereby and, located. behind the plane of a rearward facing surface of the base. The fuse contacts andthe switch contacts are thus held in fixed relationship with the base and with each other. For establishing an electrical connection between the i switch contacts there is provided. a rectilinearly movable switching member which is located at least in- .part behind the base.

In the second aforesaid copending appli- -(ation'I have disclosed a fused switch also having a base with fused contacts carried thereby at the front, and said fused switch also has stationary switch contacts located behind the plane of a rearward facing surface of, the base, but the said stationary switchcontacts, instead ofbeing permanent-- ly connected with the base, are connected with and mounted upon a rear support. 1 The base with its fuse contacts is detachably mounted in fixed relation with the base and the rectilinearly movable switching member ofthe switching device is located at least in part be.- hind the-base. Whenthe base with the fuse contacts thereon is removed the switching, device is easily accessible, all of the parts thereof remaining in their normal operative relationship. With the base iremovedas de-- other, but instead of mounting all of the said contacts upon a base as in the'first construc- 1 tion, and instead of mounting the fuse consuch' thatthe switching device is located at least in part behind a transverse plane through the rear parts of the fuse contacts, but .nevertheless the fuse contacts and the switch contacts are so positioned that access can be conveniently hadtothe switch con-. tacts without disturbing the .fuse contacts. Preferablythe sliding switching member is ,removablein the forward direction without disturbing the fuse contacts.

A fused switch embodying the invention may be and preferably is enclosed within a cabinet. When so enclosed, it may be de-' sirable to provide means whereby access may behad to the fuse'contacts without however permitting access to the switch. In accord-. ance with the present invention such a means is provided, this-taking the form of a removable insulatingguard which permits access to theswitching device'as aforesaid.

The cabinet. enclosing the fused switc .may, if desired, be adapted to be readily associated with a meter, so as to protect the latter; and if desired, meter testing means may be provided in the cabinet in association I fuses and; co-operatively related or m 1 locked with the switching device, so that'th cover cannot be moved to open position when the,switch isclbsed and so that the switch cannot be closed when the cover is open.

The .generaL object of the inventlon is to provide a-fuse'd switch having the charac teristic's'described. Further and more specific objects are to-provide certain noveland advantageous details of construction such as will now be described.

In the accompanying drawings, I have shown several embodiments of the invention, but it will be understood that the drawings are intended for illustrative purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting or defining the'scope of the invention, the claims the movable switching member while being removed.

Fig. 5 is a view similar to Fig. 1, but showing in dot-and-dash lines the position of a removable guard adapted to be associated with the fuse and switch parts.

Fig. 6 is a bottom view of the parts shown in Fig. 5, the enclosing cabinet being shown 7 in section Fig. 7 is a vertical sectional view taken along the line 77 of Fig. 5.

Fig. 8 is a detail perspective view of the removable guard shown in Figs. 5 to 7.

Fig. 9 is a view similar to Figs. 1 and 5, but showing a different embodiment of the invention which includes meter testing devices.

Fig. 10 is a bottom view of the parts shown 'in Fig. 9, this view being partly in section.

Fig. 11 is a vertical sectional view taken along the line 11-11 of Fig. 9.

Fig. 12 is a vertical sectional View taken along the line 1212 of Fig. 9. i Fig. 13 is a view similar to Figs. 1, 5 and 9 but showing still another embodiment of the invention.

switchi'n Fig. 14 is a bottom View of the parts shown in Fig. 13, the enclosing cabinet being shown in section.

Fig. 15 is a vertical view taken along the line 15-15 of Fig. 13.

In each of the several embodiments of the invention shown in the drawings, there are two pairs of fuse contacts and two separate devices but it will be understood thatthe lnvention is not necessarily limited to any particular number of fuses and switches. The fuse and switch parts are shown symmetrically disposed with respect to the vertical central plane of the appliance,

and for the sake of convenience and simplicity of description, I will in the main confine the description to those parts on one side of the said plane, it being understood that the parts on the other side are, ormay be, the

same in construction except forreversal of positions.

The. fused switch construction shown 1n Figs. 1 to 4 will be first described. Fuse receiving contacts 1 and 2 are'provided, and

prefer to also provide an independent insu- V lating supporting device which is ordinarily secured to the main rear support but which is nevertheless separate therefrom. This supporting device may comprise a single block, bar or plate of insulating material or two or more such bars or plates. As shown the supporting device comprises two insulating bars 3, 3. When such a separate supporting device is provided, the fuse contacts are also normally held in fixed spaced relationship therewith. I

Preferably, a plurality of forward projecting supporting elements are provided which are respectively connected at their forward portions with the fuse contacts 1 and 2 and are connected at their rear portions with the main rear support, preferably indirectly by means of the separate supporting device 3.

The elements therefore serve to support the.

fuse contacts 1 and 2 in the described relationship with the said rear support. As shown, there are two such supporting elements represented at 4 and 5, these having their front portions connected directly with the fuse contacts 1 and 2 by means of screws 6 and 7 and having their rear portions connected with the supporting device ,3 by means of screws 8, '8. The fuse contacts are thus electrically connected with the supporting elements. The supporting elements 4 and 5 are shown as being Z-shaped but as to this there may be wide variation.

Located at least in part in the space behind a transverse vertical plane extending through the rear parts of the fuse contacts 1 and 2 is a switching device. In referring to a transverse vertical plane I mean one parallel or substantially parallel with the main rear support for the appliance. Preferably the switching device comprises two or more normally stationary switch contacts and a switching element which is rectilinearly movable substantially parallelly with the aforesaid transverse plane and with the front face of the support.

As concerns some of the broader phases of the invention, thelocation and mounting of phases of the invention, at least one of the said switch contacts is mounted directly upon and electrically connected. with one of the supporting elements 4 or 5. Preferably and as shown, two switch contacts 9 and '10 are mounted upon and electrically connected with the two supporting elements 4 and 5 respectively, which elements are electric'ally connected respectively with the fuse contacts 1 and 2 as already described. The

contacts are preferably of a resilient U- shaped form as shown; By means of these switch contacts 9 and '10 the circuit maybe broken at both sides of the fuse as will presently appear.

Each of he said switch contacts 9 and 10 is one of a pair. The other contacts of the pairs are shown at 11 and 12 respectively and they are similar respectively to the contacts 9 and 10 butpositioned in opposed relationship thereto. Contact supporting elements 13 and 14: are provided for the contacts 11 and 12, these preferably being similar-to the main supporting elements 4 and 5 and being similarly secured to the supporting device 3 asby screws 15 and 16. The contact'supporting elements 13 and 14 also carry, respec: tively, wire connecting terminals 17 and 18 I each adapted for the connection of either an incoming circuit wire or an outgoing circuit wire. I have shown terminals ofthe solder lug type, but I do not so limit myself.

For establishing or breaking electrical cone nection between the switch contacts of the said pairs 9, 11' and 10, 12 I provide for each pair a switching element which is rectilinearly movable substantially parallelly with the front faceof the supporting device and with the rear face of the fuse base. When there are two parts of stationary switch contacts there are two conducting -switching elements 19 and 20 insulated from each other and adaptedrespectively to engage and disengage the said normally stationary switch contacts. The two conducting switchingelements 19 and 20 are preferably carried by an insulating element 21, which with the said conducting elements constitutes a reetilinearly movable switching member. The insulating element 21 is preferably in the form of a flat plate, the said conducting elements 19 and 20 extending throughit and projecting some what beyond the opposed surfaces thereof as shown. The details of the switching mem- -ber may be as shown in my said copending application for electric circuit controlling appliance, Ser. No. 153,966 filed Dec. 10, 1926. When the stationary switch contacts are located asjshown, the said fiat insulating element 21 is arranged perpendicularly to the.

supportingdevice and to the fuse base, The said element preferably engages at its inner edge with the insulating bars3, 3 of the sup porting device so as to be thereby.

From the foregoing description, it willbe guided in part apparent that when the switching member is in the on position, as shown in Fig. 1, a circuit will be established from the wire connecting terminal 17 through the contact supporting element 13 and the switch contacts 11, 19 and 9, to the supportin element 4 and thence to the fuse contact 1. a connection is established from the fuse con: tact 2 through the supporting element 5 and the switch contacts 10,20 and 12 to theconimilarly tact supporting element 14 and the Wire connecting terminal 18. When the switching member is moved upward from the position.

shown in Fig. 1, the elements 19 and20 will be disengaged from-the stationary switch contacts and circuit will be broken at two points at each side of the fuse, thus making a total of four breaks. The insulating element 21 of the switching member serves not only as a carrier for the-contacts 19 and 20, but it also switching member will conform thereto and I will at all times effect firm engagement; with the contact and will establish effective electrical connections therewith.

So far as the present invention is concerned, I do not narrowly limit myself in regard to the exact location of the stationary switch contacts. I have shown the two pairs of stationary contacts offset upward and downward respectively away from the fuse contacts so as to be clearly visible and easily accessible without in any way disturbmg the said fuse contacts.

From the foregoing description, it will be apparent that I have provided a' fused switch construction having. an entirely novel and.

highly advantageous combination al relationship between the fuse and switch parts. The

fuse and switch parts are allcarried by the.

rear support without any insulating fuse carrying base at the front. The fuse contacts are at the front of the device and are therefore easily accessible, andthe switch parts are located in the region behind a transverse plane through the fuse contacts, thus greatly economizmg space. 1

Although the switching device is behind a the fuse contacts, it is nevertheless so located laterally as to bring the movable switching member 21 sufficiently far to one side of the fuse contacts to permit its withdrawal or retransverse' plane through the rear parts of v moval in the forward direction without interfering with the said fuse contacts or with the fuse therein. In addition, as already stated, the stationary contacts of the switching device are preferably so located as to'be clearly visible and easily accessible without in any way disturbing the fuse contacts or the fuse therein. When there are two pairs of fuse contacts and two separate switching devices as shown, the fuse contacts of the two pairs are preferably arranged side by side at the center and relatively closely spaced. The switching devices are preferably arranged more or less at the rear of the fuse contacts as shown and described, and ,whether-' arranged at the-rear or not, they ,ara-flpreferably so positioned that the movable switching members are at the outer sides of the respective pairs of fuse contacts. This makes it possible for the said movable members to be removed in the forward direction as described without interfering with the said fuse contacts and without interfering with the desired close spacing therebetween.

Preferably, the fused switch unit described is enclosed ina casing or cabinet, this ordinarily being so constructed that it can be sealed to prevent unauthorized access to any of the parts, excepting in some cases the fuse contacts. In Figs. 1 to 4, I have shown an enclosing cabinet '22 of sheet metal having a rear wall 23, side walls 24, 24; and end'walls 25, 25. The cabinet has an op'enable front cover 26, which is shown as being hinged at 27 to the bottom end wall 25. Suitable means such as a spring latch 28 is provided for holding the cover in closed position and a seal 29 may be provided for preventing the opening of the cover except by breaking the seal. The fused switch unit as a whole is secured to the rear wall 23 of the cabinet by means of screws 30, 30 engaging the bars 3, 3 of the supporting device. If desired, a plate 31 of insulating material may be interposed between the supporting device and the rear Wall of the cabinet. I

A means is provided for operating the switching member or members and when there is an enclosing cabinet,'such as 22, the said means includes a handle located externally of the cabinet sg that the switch can be operated when the cabinet is closed. The cabinet may be utilized as a means for supporting the switch operating means and as shown, there is an operating spindle comprising a rod 32 including two pivot sections 33 and 34 extending throughbearing openings in the side walls 24, 24 of the cabinet. The said rod. is bent to form a manually operable handle 35 outside of the cabinet and also to form a crank section 36 inside of the cabinet and between the pivot sections. 1

The crank section is operatively connected with the movable switch member so as to permit the assembly or disassembly of the movable switching member with or from the operating means and the cabinet by the simple act of moving it rearward or forward. For this purpose, I have shown in each insulating element 21 a slot 37 adapted to receive the crank section 36. The slot 37 is preferably open at one end, that is, at the back end, so as to facilitate assembly or disassembly as described. The slot '37 is shown as bein near the middle of the insulating element, t 11S location being ordinarily preferable.

From the foregoing description, it will be obvious that by moving the handle 35 each of the switch members can be moved longitu dinally upward or downward, as desired. With the handle 35 in its uppermost position as shown in Figs. land 3, the switching members will be held in their lowermost positions, thus completing the circuit through the appliance as already described. When the handle 35 is moved to its, lower position, the switching members will be moved to their upper positions, thus separating the movable contacts 19 and 20 from the stationary contacts 9, 11 and 10, 12 respectively and thus breaking each leg of the circuit at four points as already described.

Preferably the supporting elements 4 and 5 of each pair supporting the corresponding fuse contacts 1 and 2 are connected together by means of a member or plate 38 of insulating material which is shown as being held in place bythe same screws 6 and 7 which connect the fuse contacts with the. supporting elements. This plate 38 serves to hold the two supporting elements in their proper relative positions, and preferably has further funcsembled with or removed from the rearsupe port and operating spindle Without disturbing their assembled relationship.

As already fully described, I have provided a switching device having a rectilinearly movable main switching member, and in accordance with one phase of the invention I have provided a holding means for; the switching member which is so related thereto that the switching member can be released for removal in the forward direction by effecting relative lateral movement between the holding means'and the said member. As illustrated, the switching member is laterally movable and the holdin means is stationary, but as to this, there may be variation. As concerns this feature of the invention, I do not necessarlly limit myself to a switch which is combined with fuse contacts.

When a connecting plate 38 is provided between the supporting elements for the stationary switch contacts, I preferably utilizethe bars 3, 3 and at its front edge with the plate 38, the switching member being thus guided for rectilinear movement.

In order that the switching member may be removed from the supporting device and from the stationary switch contacts, the arrangement is such that the switching member can be released from the holding means, that is, from the plate 38, by being moved laterally as shown in Fig. 4. The several stationary switch contacts are sufliciently resilient to permit the lateral movement or tilting of the switching member, as shown. The plate 38 preferably overlapsthe n rmal position of the switch member only to a slight extent, thus avoiding any necessity for excessive lateral movement or tilting. "-When the movable switch member has been moved laterally as shown in Fig. 4, it can then be withdrawn ina forward direction so as to entirely disengage the stationary switch con.- tacts. It will be understood that the switchng member is ordinarily moved to its off position before being withdrawn. The slot 37 permits withdrawal of the member from the operating spindle. I

In Figs, 5 to 8, I haveshown a construction which. is in the main similar to that shown in Figs. 1 to 4. The details of the fuse contacts and switch parts and of the mount-' ings therefor. are, or may be, exactly the same as alreadydescribed and repetition of de scription will be unnecessary. I I

The construction differs essentially in that s I provision is made whereby access may be had to the fuse contacts without permitting access to the switch or other parts within the cabinet. Accordingly, the cover 26 of the cabinet is provided with an opening 39 through which the said fuses and contacts are accessible. In order to preventaccess through the said opening in the cover to the switches'and other parts, a suitable guardis provided, this guard being removable in order to permit free access to the switch parts when the. cover is open. and in order to per- 'mit the removal of the movable switch members, as already described. This guard is shown at 40 and it is illustrated as being removably connected with the supporting ele ments 4 and 5 which support the fuse contacts, though I do not limit myself to this manner of mounting. Spring clips 41, 41 are provided for resiliently holding the guard in place, these clips however permitting the guard to be easily removed manually.

The guard 40 is so formed and normally 4 so located that it surrounds the fuses and serves to entirely close the said. opening 39 in the cover when the cover is in closed position. The cover when closed cooperates with the clips 41, 41 in holding the guard 40 in position. At its inner end, the guard cooperates with the plates 38, 38 to prevent access to the interior of thecabinet. The guard preferably includes a central wall or baflle 42 positioned between the fuses.

The cover 26* preferably has an auxiliary cover mounted thereon, which cover may be interlocked with the switch to prevent its movement to open position when the switch is closed. I have shown, however, a cover 43 which is not so interlocked, this cover being pivoted to the main cover at 44 and being provided with a spring 45 which tends to hold it in closed position. It will be apparent that when the mam coveris closed, access canbe had to the fuses" .by opening the auxiliary cover. The guard v40 serves, however, to prevent access being had t6 the switches or'to any other parts within the cabinet when the auxiliary cover is open. However, when the main cover 26 is opened, the guard 40 can be easily removed,

thus exposing the switch parts and permit-.

ting the movable switching members 21, 21 to be easily removed as already descrlbedr' "In Figs. 9 to 12, I have shown an embodiment of the invention which is similar to (8, but which also includes certain additional features. fuse contacts and the swltchlng devices 1s substantially the same as that already de-' Instead of providing two separate plates 38, 38 as shown inF igs. 1 and 5,1 have shown a single plate 38 which cooperates with the "fuse contacts of both pairs and obstructs the The construction as concerns'the those shown in Figs. 1 to 4 and in Figs. 5 to space between them. The plate 38?- is' shown 1 as being somewhat differently mounted. 'I'nstead of being held directly by the screws which hold the fuse contacts, the ,plate 38 is provided with relatively large rectangular openings into which the outer end portions offthe supportingelements 4 and 5" extend. Each of the said elements is provided with an inward oflset lip 46 as shown in Fig. 11,

the several lips being-adapted to engage the inner surface of the plate and thus hold the plate against rearward movement. The plate is held against forward movement by means of the fuse contacts themselves as clearly shownin Fig.10.i'" A A guard 40 is provided similar inofunction to the guard 40 already described in connection with Figs. 5 to 8. However, inasmuch as the plate 38 extends across from one pair of fuse contacts to the other pair of fuse con t acts, 1t 1s not necessary to provide the guard with a central wall such as the wall 42. 4 The guard 40 is similar tothe guard 40 in that it is removable and in that it is held in place a by the cabinet cover when the cover is closed.

However, instead of being held in place primarily by spring clips or other means connected with the supporting elements, the guard 40 is connected directly with the cover 26 so as to be automatically removed whenever the cover is opened. i

The cover 26 is provided with an opening 39 which communicates with the interior of the guard 40". The guard surrounds the opening and serves when the cover 26 is closed to prevent access through the opening with any conducting parts in the cabinet other than the fuse contacts and fuses. As shown, the cover 26 is flat and there is provided an auxiliary cover for the opening. 39

and the parts are so constructed that the fuse cover cannot be opened when the switch han: die 35* is in the position corresponding to the closed position of the switch and so that the handle 35 cannot be moved to the position parts. The said fuse cover 43 is provided with a knob 49 which serves as a means for moving the fuse cover and which also serves as a stop for limitingthe movement of the said cover in either direction. shows the cover 43 in its left hand closed position. It will be observed that when the fuse cover is in closed position and the switch 'handle 35 in the switch closing position, the

said handle directly obstructs the cover and prevents the opening movement thereof. When the fuse cover is in its open position having been moved to the right from the position shown in Fig. 10, the said cover directly obstructs the handle 35 and prevents its movementto switch closing position. The

specific construction and the interrelationship as herein described between a sidewise 'openlng cover'and a switch operating handle are not claimed as part .of the present invention, these being set forth in my patents for enclosed fused switches, Nos. 1,7 21,493, 1,721,494 and 1,721,495 all. issued July 16, 1929. i

The construction shown in Figs. 9 to 12 also differs in that provision is made for the protective association of theenclosed appliance Fig. 10'

with an electric meter and that provision is also made for the testing of the meter.

As shown in Fig. 10, the'cabinet 22 has its upper end wall 25 provided with an opening therein adapted to receive and approximately fit the terminal portion of an electric meter M. With this construction the cabinet 22 serves not only to enclose the fused switch, but also to enclose the terminal portion of the meter together with the connections between the meter and the said fused switch.

In addition to the parts already described, I have also provided means for facilitating the testing of' the meter. The details of the testing means may be varied according to the conditions of use. For three wireservice I preferably provide testing means for each of two legs of the circuit, each means com-- prising at least one movable test link adapted to be included in the circuit between the meter and the load wires and adaptedto be so moved as to disconnect the meter from the load wires while testing is being carried on. The testing means. may be varioitsly mounted but I have shown two insulating members 50for' supporting them, these members being at the sides of the fuse contacts. While I do not necessarily limit myself to the location of the testing means directly at the sides of the fuse contacts, it is nevertheless important to locate them otherwise than directly behind the fuse contacts. They should be out of rearward register with the fuse contacts in olrlder to. insure visibility and accessibility and t e thali in front of the switching device in order not to interfere with the latter.

Ordinarily and preferably, the incoming circuit wires S, S are connected with the terminals 17*, 17 and as shown a neutral wire S is also provided. The circuit extends from these terminals 17 17*, through the switch and fuse parts in the manner already described to the terminals 18", 18",

these latter terminals being connected with the supporting elements 5 5 in a manner tobe described in detail. The said terminals 18", 18 are indirectly connected with the outgoing or load circuit wires through the meter M, connections C and C extending from the said terminals 18","18 to the meter. Other meter connections C and C extend from the meter M to wire connecting terminals 51, 51

mounted on the blocks 50, 50 preferably near the outer edges thereof. The outgoing circuit wires L, L are connected directly with should preferably be located otherwise 1 terminals 52, 52 which terminals are connected respectively with the terminals 51, 51 by means of movable testing links 53,- 53. The testing links construction, each link being slotted near'its ends and thus adapted to receive studs 54 and 55 connected respectively with the terminals 51 and 52. It will be seen that by removing 53, 53 are of a well known supporting device, in thiscase the insulating V bars 3, 3", in part by extensions 56 on the supthe links 53, 53, the circuit may be broken between the said terminals 51, 51 "and 52, .52.

The blocks 50 are supported upon the main porting elements 5 and in part by supplernental supporting elements 57, 57. Y

Preferably, in addition to-the testing links 53, 53 I provide other similar links 58, 58 interposed between the terminals 18, 18, and the corresponding switch contact supporting elements 5", 5". As already stated each element 5 is provided with an extension 56. At the front of each block is a short conductor 59 connected with the corresponding extension 56 by means of screws 60 and'61. The said testinglink 58 is connected with the screw 61 and with a similar screw 62 conattachment of a short circuiting connection.

nected. with the terminal 18'.

In addition to the removable links 53 and 58, I also provide contacts adapted for the from each switch contact supporting element 5 to the corresponding terminal 52. "For this purpose Iutilize the before-mentioned stud 60 and a similar stud 63 connected with the corresponding terminal'52. A link 64 may be provided as shown in dot-and-dash lines in Figs. 9 and 10 for connecting the said studs 60 and 63. It will be seen that when the two links 64, 64 are in place, the circuit will extend directly through the switch and fuse to the terminals'52, 52. It is then possible to either partly or entirely disconnect the meter by removing someor all of the links 53 and 58. v

.The specific combination of meter testing devices with a circuit controlling appliance such as herein shown and described does not of itself constitute a part of the present invention, beingset forth and-claimed in my copending application for electric meter -ser-' vice appliance Serial No. 247,730 filed Jan-.

uary 18, 1928.

From the foregoing description, it-will be observed that I have provided a complete p meter service appliance including fuses,

switches and meter testing means and that the several parts'of this appliance are so constructed and related that the switch parts are easily visible and conveniently accessible without disturbing any of the other parts .and without breaking any electrical connections. If desired, the movable members of the switches can be entirely removed without disturbing any conducting parts other than the said members themselves. It willfurther be observed that the arrangement is such that the removable guard 40 while permittingaccess tothe fuse parts nevertheless prevents access either to the switch parts or the testing means, thus preventing unauthorized manipulation of these latter parts.

In Figs. 13 to 15, I have shown a still different construction which includes certain .ing of the switch and fuse parts are, or may be, the same as already described, particularly in connection with Figs. 9 to '12,, The upper stationary switch contacts are shown as reversed in position, but this is not essential. I have shown a guard 40surrounding the fuses which may be similar to the guard 40 shown in Figs. 5 to 8. The guard has a central wall 42 and screws 65, 65 extend through this wall and connect the guard 42 with the late 38. The cabinet 22 is, or may be, su stantially the same as that shown in Figs. 9 to 12, the principal difference being that the guard 40 isnot attached to the cover.

The supporting device for the several parts is in the form of a single block 3 of insulating materialinstead of being in the form of two separate blocks as shown in the other figures. It is secured in place bymeans of screws 30, 30.

an extension 66 which is at the front of the block 3 and which corresponds in function to the conductor 59 shown in Figs. 9 and 12. This extension is held in place by means of screws 60 and 61. A conductor 67 is provided ,which is connected with the terminal 18 and which is held in place in part by a screw 62. A test link 58 which is, or may be, similar to the test links already dc scribed is held by the screws 61 and 62. A conductor 68 is provided connected with a terminal 51, thisbeing held in 'placein part by a screw-54. A conductor 69 is provided which is connected with a terminal 52 and is held in place by means of screws and 63. A movable test link 58 is provided, this being held by means of, the screws 54 and 55. A test link 64 may be provided asindicated in dot-and-dash lines for bypassing themeter, this link being 'held bythe screws and 63..

vices which are capable of being used in the same way as those already fully described inconnection with Figs. 9 to, 12 and which are conveniently and accessibly mounted withoutthe use of separate supporting means such as the blocks 50, 5Q. The testingfmeans although mounted on the main rear supporting I device are nevertheless so mounted 'asnot to and the arrangement is such that the movable members of the switches can be entirely be obstructed by the fuse and switch parts 4 removed without disturbing any parts of the testing means. It will further be apparent that the arrangement is such that the removable guard while permitting access to the fuse parts serves to prevent access either to the switch parts or to the testing means, these latter parts being thus fully protected against unauthorized tampering or manipulation.

lVhat I claim is:

1. Ina fused switch appliance, the combi nation of a rear support, a plurality of sup-' porting elements extending forward from the support, two fuse receiving contacts directly mounted upon and contacting with two of the said'elements respectively at the forward portions thereof, two pairs of opposed stationary switch-contacts located at least in part behind a transverse plane through the rear parts of the fuse contacts, a rectilinearly movable switching member comprising two conducting elements insulated from each other and normally engaging the said stationary switch contacts of the corresponding pairs to-establish\a circuit through .the appliance, and means for rectilinearly moving the switching member approximately parallelly with the face of the rear support.

2 In a fused switch appliance the combination pf a rear support, a plurality of supporting elements extending forward from the support, two fuse .receiving contacts directly mounted upon and contacting with two of the said elements respectively at the forward portions thereof, two stationary switch contacts located at least in part behind a transverse plane through the rear parts. of the fuse contacts and mounted directly upon the last said supporting elements respectively, two other similarly located stationary switch contacts carried by the support and arranged in opposed relationship with the first said switch contacts, a rectilinearly movable switching member comprising two conducting elements insulated from each other and normally en aging the said stationary switch contacts oi the corresponding pairs to' establish a circuit through the appliance, and means for recti linearly moving the switching member approximately parallellywith the face of the rear support.

3. In a fused switch appliance, the'combination of a rear support, a plurality of supporting elements extending forward from the support, two fuse receiving contacts directly mounted upon and contacting with two of the said elements respectively at the forward portions thereof, an insulating tie plate connecting the forward portions of the last saidelements behind the fuse contacts, two pairs of stationary switch contacts located at least in part behind the plane-of the said plate, a movable switching member proximately parallelly with the face of the rear support.

4. In a fused switch appliance, the combination of a rear support, a plurality of supporting elements extending forward from the support, an insulating tie plate connecting two of the said elements and having holes through which the-forward portions of the said elements extend, two fuse receiving contacts respectively mounted upon and contacting with the said forward portions of the said elements at the front side of the said plate, two pairs of stationary switch contacts located at least in part behind the plane of the said plate, a movable switching member comprising two conducting elements insulated from each other and normally engaging the said stationary switch contacts of the corresponding pairs to establish a. circuit through the appliance, and means for rectilinearly moving the switching member a proximately parallelly with the plane of tffe said plate. 5

5. In,a fused switch appliance, the combination of an insulating supporting device adapted to be secured to a rear supporting wall, a ilurality of supporting elementsex- -te'ndi'ngforward fromthe supporting device,

two fuse receiving contacts directly mounted 7 upon and contacting with two of the said elements respectively at the forward portions thereof, two stationary switch contacts 1 located at least in part behind a transverse 1 plane through the rear parts of the fuse contacts and mounted directly upon the last'said supporting elements respectively, two other similarly located stationary-switch contacts carried by the supporting device and arranged in opposed relationship with the first said switch contacts, a rectilinearly movable switching member comprising two conduct ing elements insulated from each other and normally engaging the said stationary switch contacts of the corresponding pairs to establish a circuit through the appliancg'," and means for rectilinearly' moving the switching member approximately parallelly with the front face of the supporting device.

6. In a fused switch appliance, the combination of a, rear support, a plurality of supporting elements extending forward from the support, two fuse receiving contacts directly mounted upon and contacting with two of the said elements respectively at the forward portions thereof, an insulating tie plate connecting the forward portions of the last said elements behind the fuse contacts, two stationary switch contacts located at least in part behind the plane of the said the rear support.

- gaging at'its front with the said plate so as a 7. In a fused switch appliance, the combination of a rear support, a plurality of supporting elements extending forward from the support, two fuse receiving contacts directly mounted upon and contacting with two of the said elements respectively at the forward portions thereof, an insulating tie plate connecting the forward portions of the last said elements behind the fuse contacts, two stationary switch contacts located at least in part behind the plane of the said plate and mounted directly upon the last said supporting elements respectively, two other similarly located stationary switch contacts carried by the support and arranged in opposed relationship with the first said switch contacts, a rectilinearly movable switching member comprising an insulating element and two conducting elements carried by the insulating element and normally engaging thestationary switch contacts to establish a cir cuit throughlthe appliance, the insulating element of the said switching member ento beheld and guided thereby, and means for rectilinearly moving the switching member approximately parallelly with\the plane of the plate.- 8. In a fused switch appliance, the combination of a rear insulating supporting device adapted to be secured'to a rear supporting wall, a plurality of supporting elements extending forward from the supporting device,v

two fuse receiving contacts directly mounted upon and contacting with two of the said elements respectively at the forward portions thereof,'an insulating tie plate connecting the forward portions of the last said elements behind the fuse contacts, two stationary switch contacts located ataleast inpart behind the plane of the said plate and mounted directly upon the last said supporting elements respe,ctively, two other similarly located stationary switch contacts carried by the support and arranged in opposed relationship with the first said switch contacts, a rectilinearly movable switching member comprising an insulatingtelement and two conducting elements carried by the insulating element and normally engaging the stationary switch contacts to establish a circuit through the appliance, the insulating element of thesaid switching member engaging at its front edge with the said plate and at its rear edge with the said insulating supporting device so as to be held and guided between them and the said: switching member as a whole being entirely free for lateral ad] ustment so as to be controlled as concerns such adjustment solely by the stationary switch contacts, and means for rectilinearly moving the switching member. I t

9. In an electric switch, the combination of a rear support, a pair of opposed stationary switch contacts carried by the support at the front thereof, a rectilinearly movable switching member comprising an insulating element and a conducting element carried by the insulating element and normally engaging the said stationary switch contacts to establish a circuit through theswitch, means normally engaging the insulating element of the said member to prevent forward movement thereof, provision being made for relative lateral movement between the last said means and the saidmember to permit the said member to be bodily removed from the support and from the stationary switch contacts in the forward direction,- and means for rectilinearly-moving the switching member approximately parallelly with the face of the rear support.

10. In an electric switch, thee-combination of a rear support, two pairs of opposed stationary switch contacts carried by the support at the front thereof,a rectilinearly movable switching'member comprising an insulating element and two conducting elements carried by the insulating element and normally engaging the said switch contacts of the corresponding pairs to establish a 'circuit through the switch, means normally engaging the said-member to prevent forward movement thereof, the said member being movable laterally to disengage the said means and thereby permit bodily removal from the support and from the stationary switch contacts in the forward direction \while the fuse contacts remain in normal positions, and means for rectilinearly moving the switching member approximately paral lelly with the face of the rearsupport.

11. In an electric switch, the combination of arear support, a rectilinearly movable switching member located in front of the rear support and comprising an insulating element and two longitudinally spaced conducting elements carried by the insulating means normally engaging the switching member to prevent forward movement thereof, and two pairs of opposed stationary switch contactg carried by the rear support and positioned to be engaged and disengaged by the respective-conductingelements of'the i other and normally engaging the said staswitching member, the said switch contacts serving as the sole means for controlling-the {lateral adjustment of the switching member and being sufficiently resilient to permit the said member to be moved laterally so as to disengage the means which. normally prevents forward movement.

12. In a fused switch appliance, the combination of a-rear support, a pair of fuse receiving contacts carried by the support and accessible from the front, two pairs of opposed stationary switch contacts carried by the support at the front thereof, a rectilinearly movable switching member compr slng two conducting elements insulated from each tionary switch contacts of the correspondingpairs to establish a circuit through the appliance, the said member being bodily removable from the support and from'the stationary switch contacts in the forward direction while the fuse contacts remain in normal positions, and means for rectilinearly moving the switching member approximately parallelly with the face of the rear support.

13. In a fused switch appliance, the com bination of a rear support, two pairs of fuse receiving contacts arranged side by side at the center of the appliance, two switching devices carried by the support at the front thereof and each comprising two pairs of opposed statioiiary switch contacts and a rectilinearly movable switching member, the

' said members each comprising a flat insulating element and two conducting elements carried by the insulating element and normally engaging the said stationary switch -ISO , of the rear support.

contacts of the corresponding pairs to estab- .liSh a circuit through the appliance and the said members being positioned at opposite sides of the two pairs of fuse contacts and being bodily removable from the support and from the stationary switch contacts in the forward direction While the fuse contacts remain in normal positions, and means for rectilinearly moving the two switching members approximately parallelly with the face i 14. In a fused switch appliance, the combination of a rear support, a pair of fuse receiving contacts carried by the support and accessible from the front, a pair of opposed stationary switch contacts carried by the support at the front thereof, a rectilinearly movable switching member comprising an insulating element and a conducting element earned by the insulating element and normally engaging the said stationary switch contacts to establish a circuit through the appliance, means normally engaging the insulating element of the said member to guide the said member and to normallyprevent forward movement thereof, the said means serving when desired to permit the said member to be bodily removed from the support and from the stationary switch contacts in the forward direction while the fuse contacts remainin normal positions, and means for rectilinearly moving the switching member approximately parallelly with 'gthe face of the rear support.

15. In a fused switch appliance, the combination of a rear support, a pair of fuse "receiving contacts carried by, the support and A accessible from the front, two pairs of opposed stationary switchcont'acts carried by the support at the front thereof, a rectillnearly movable switching member comprising an insulating element and two conducting elements carried by the insulating element and normally engaging the said stationary switch contacts of the corresponding pairs to establish a circuit through the appliance,

means normally engaging the insulating element of the said member to guide the said member and to normally prevent forward movement thereof, provision being made for relative lateral movement between the last said means and the said member to permit the said member to be bodily removed from the support and from the stationary switch contacts in the forward direction while the fuse contacts remain in normal positions, and means for rectilinearly moving the switching member approximately parallelly with the face of the rear support.

16. In a fused switch appliance, the com- I bination of a rear support, a pair of fuse receiving contacts carried by the support and accessible from the front, two pairs of opposed stationary switch contacts carried by the support at the front thereof, a rectilinearly movable switching membercomprising an insulating element and two conductrectilinearly moving the switching member approximately parallelly with the face of the rear support.

17. In a fused switch appliance, the com- -bination of a rear support, two supporting elements extending forward from thesupport, two fuse receiving contacts carried by the respective supporting elements and acces sible from the front, an insulating inember connecting the two said supporting elements near the a, forward ends thereof behind the fuse contacts, two pairs of opposed stationary switch contacts carried by the support at insulating member, a rectilinearly moyable switching member comprising two conduct- 1 ing elements insulated from each other and normally engaging the said stationary switch contacts of the corresponding pairs to establish a circuit through the appliance, the said member being bodily removable from the support and from the stationary switch contacts in the forward direction while the fuse contacts and the said connecting member remam in normal positions, arid means for rectilinearly moving the switching member approximately parallelly with the face of the rear support.

18. In a fused switch appliance, the comblnation of a rear support, two supporting elements extending forward from the-support, two fuse receiving contacts carried by the respective supporting elements and accessible from the front,'a pair of opposed stationary switch contacts carried by the support at the front thereof, a rectilinearly movable switching member comprising an insulating element and a conducting element carried by the insulating element and normally engaging the said stationary switch con tacts to establish a circuit through the appliance, an insulating member connecting the two said supporting elements near the forward ends thereof and behind the fuse contacts, the said member normally preventing forward movement of the insulating element of the movable switching member but nevertheless serving when desired to permit the said member to be bodily removed from the support and from the stationary switch contacts in the forward direction while the fuse contacts remain in normal positions, and means for rectilinearly moving the switching member approximately parallelly with the face of the rear support. a I a 19. In a fused switch appliance, the combination of a rear support, two supporting elements extending forward from the support, two fuse receiving contacts carried by the respective supporting elements and accessible from the front, two pairs of opposed stationary switch contacts carried by the support at the front thereof, a rectilinearly movable switching member comprising an insulating element and two conducting elements carried by the insulating element and normally engaging the said stationary switch contacts of the corresponding pairs to establish a circuit through the appliance, an insulating member connecting the said supporting elements near the forward ends thereof behind the fuse-contacts and at its side overlapping the said movable switching member to a slight extent so that forward movement of the switching member is normally prevented and so that disengagement of the switching member from the connecting member is permitted by lateral movement of the former, the said switching member being then bodily removed from the support and from the'stationary switch contacts in the forward direction while the fuse contacts remain in normal positions, and means for rectilinearly moving the switching member approximately parallelly with'the face of the rear support. 20. In an enclosed fused switch, the com bination of an enclosing cabinet having an openable front cover with an opening therein, a'pair of fuse receiving contacts mounted in the cabinet in position to be accessible through the said opening in the cabinet cover When the cover is closed, a switching device in the cabinet behind a transverse vertical planeat the rear of the fuse contacts comprising a pair of opposed stationary switch contacts and a rectilinearly movable switching member including an insulating element and a conducting element carried by the insulating element and normally engaging the said sta tionary switch contacts'to establish a circuit betweenthem, and a guard member associated with the cabinet cover at the opening therein to prevent access through the opening to conducting parts within the cabinet other than the said fuse contacts, the said guard member being movable out of its normal position to permit access to the switching device.

21. In an enclosed fused switch, the combination of an enclosing cabinet having an openable front cover with an opening therein, a pair of fuse receiving contacts mounted in the cabinet in position to be accessible through the said opening in the cabinet cover when the cover is closed, a switching device" in the cabinet behind a transverse vertical plane at the rear of the fuse contacts comprising a pair of opposed stationary switch contacts and a rectilinearly movable switching member including an insulating element and a conducting element carried by the insulating element and normally engaging the said stationary switch contacts to establish a circuit between them, the said switching member being bodily removable from the stationary switch contacts in the forward direction while the said fuse contacts remain in normal positions, means for rectilinearly moving the switching member approximately parallelly with the rear wall of the cabinet, and a guard member associated with the cabinet cover at the opening therein to prevent access through the opening to conducting parts within the cabinet other than the said fuse contacts, the said guard member being movable out of its normal position to permit removal of the switching member in the forward direction as aforesaid.

w 22. In an enclosed fused switch, the combination of an enclosing cabinet having an openable front cover with an opening therein,

a plurality of supporting elements extending a pair of fuse receiving contacts directly mounted upon and connecting with two of the said elements respectively at the forward portions thereof, the said contacts being in position to be accessible through the said opening in the cabinet cover when the cover is closed, a switching device in the cabinet behind a transverse vertical plane at the rear of the fuse contacts comprising a pair of opposed stationary switch contacts and a rectilinearly movable switching member including an insulating element and a conducting element carried by the insulating element and normally engaging the said stationary switch contacts to establish a circuit between them,

one of the switch contacts of each pair being mounted directly on a corresponding one of the said supporting elements, means for rectilinearly moving the switching, member approximately parallelly with the rear wall of the cabinet, and a guard member associated with the cabinet cover at the opening therein to prevent access through the opening to conducting parts within the cabinet other than the said fuse contacts, the said guard member being movable out of its normal position to permit access to the switching device.

23., In an enclosed fused switch, t-hecombination of an enclosing cabinet having an openable front cover with an opening there in, a plurality of supporting elements extending forward from the rear wall of thecabinet, a pair of fuse receiving contacts directly mounted uponand contacting with two of the said elements respectively at the forward \portions thereof, the said contacts being in position .to be accessible through the said opening in the cabinet cover, a relatively small insulating plate parallel withihe rear wall of the cabinet and connecting the forward portions of the said supporting elements behind thefuse contacts, a switching device in the cabinet behind the plane of the said plate comprising a pair of opposed stationary switch contacts and a rectilinearly movable switchingmember including an insulating element and a conducting element carried by the insulating element and normally engaging the said stationary switch contacts to establisha circuit between them, the contact ing parts of the saidtswitching device being 4 associated with the said located out of direct register with the said insulating plate so as to be clearly visible and easilyaccessible with the plate in place, means for rectilinearly moving the switching member approxiniately parallelly with the rear wall of .the cabinet, and a guard inember late and with the cabinet cover-at the opening therein to prevent access through the opening to conducting parts-within the cabinet other than the sald fuse contacts, the-said'guard member being movable out of its normal position to permit free access to the switching parts.

24. In an enclosed fused switch, the cointhe rear wall of the cabinet and connecting.

the forward portions of the said supporting elements'behind the fuse contacts, a switching said plate comprising a pair of opposed stationary switch contacts and a rectilinearly movable switching member including'an insulating element and a contacting element carried by the insulating element and normally engaging the said stationary switch contacts to establish a circuit between them,

device in the cabinet behind the planeof the the said switching member being bodily removable from the stationary switch contacts in the forward direction while the said fuse I contacts and the said connecting plate remain approximately in their normal positions, means for rectilinearly moving-the switching member approximately parallelly' with the rear wall of the cabinet, and a guard member associated with the said plate and with the cabinet cover at the opening therein to prevent access through the opening to conducting parts within the cabinet other than the said fuse contacts, the said guard member being movableout of its normal position to permitcremoval of the switching member in the forward direction as aforesaid.

25. In-an enclosed fused switch, thet'combination of an enclosing cabinet having an openable'firont cover with an opening therein, a plurality of supporting elements extending forward from the rear wallof the cabinet, a pair of fuse receiving contacts directly mounted upon and contacting with two of the said elements respectively at the forward portions thereof, the said contacts beingin position to be accessible through-the said opening in the cabinet cover, an insulating plate parallel with the rear wall of the cabinet and connecting the forward portions of the said supporting elements behind the fuse contacts, a switching'device in the cabinet behind the plane of the said plate compris-. 7

ing two pairs of opposed stationary switch contacts and a rectilinearly movable switching member including, aninsulatingselement and ,two conducting elements carried by the insulating element and normally engaging the said stationary switch contacts of the corresponding pairs to establish a circuit between them, the said' 's.witching member normally engaging it attthe' front with the said connecting plateand being movable laterally to disengage the-plate and permit bodily repositions,

moval from the stationary switch contacts in the forward direction while the said fuse contacts and the said plate remain approximately in, their normal positions, means for rectilinearly moving the switching member approximately parallelly with the rear wall of the cabinet, and a guard member associated with the said plate and with the cabinet cover at the opening therein to prevent access through the opening to conducting parts within the cabinet other than the said fuse contacts, the said guard member being movable out of its normal position to permit removal of the switching member in the forward direction as aforesaid. 1

2 6. In an enclosed fused switch, the combination of an enclosing cabinet having an openable front coverwith an opening therein, four supporting elements extending forward from the rear wall of the cabinet, two pairs of fuse receiving contacts directly mounted upon and contacting with the said elements respectively at the forward portions thereof, the said pairs of contacts being arranged side by side in position to b accessible through the said opening in the cabinet cover, a transverse insulating plate connecting the forward portions of all of the said supporting elements behind the fuse contacts, two switch 'ing devices in the cabinet behind the plane of the said plate and each comprising a. pair of opposed stationary switch contacts and a rectilinearly movable switching member including an insulating element and a conductingelement carried by the insulatingelement and normally engaging thesaid stationary switch contacts to establish a circuit between them, the said switching members being positioned at opposite sides of the two pairs of fuse contactsiand being each bodily removable from the corresponding stationary switch contactsin the forward direction while the said fuse contacts and the said connecting plate remain approximately intheir normal ineansfor rectilinearly moving the switching members approximately parallelly with the rear wall of the cabinet, and a guard member associated with the said plate and with the cabinet cover at the opening therein to prevent access through theopening to conducting parts within the cabinet other than the said fuse contacts, the saidguard member being movable out of its normal position to permit removal of the switching members in 55 the forward direction as aforesaid. 27. In an enclosed fused switch, the combination of an enclosing cabinet having an openable front cover with an opening therein, four supporting elements extending forwardfrom the rear wall ofthe cabinet, two pairs of fuse receiving contacts directly mounted upon and contacting with the said elements respectively at the forward portions thereof, the said pairs of contacts being arranged side by side in position to be accessible through the said opening in the cabinet cover,

a transverse insulating plate connecting the forward portions of all of the said supporting elements behind the fuse contacts, twoswitching devices in the cabinet behind'the plane of the said plate and each comprising a pair of opposed stationary switch contacts and a rectilinearly'movable switching member including an insulating element and a conducting element carried by the insulating element and normally engaging the said stationary switch contacts to establish atcircuit between them, means for rectilinearly moving the switching members approximately parallelly with the rear wall of the cabinet, and a removable guardmember of insulating material in the cabinet normally surrounding the fuse contacts and cooperating with the plate to prevent access through the cover opening to conducting parts within the cabinet other than the said fuse contacts, the said guard member including a partition normally l0- catedbetween the said pairs of contacts.

28. V In an enclosed fused switch, the combi- 'nation of an enclosing cabinet having an openable front cover with an opening therein, a pair of fuse receiving contacts mounted in the cabinet in position to be accessible through the said opening in the cabinet cover when the cover is closed, a switching device in the cabinethehind a transverse vertical plane 4 at the rear of the fuse contacts comprising a pair of opposed stationary switch contacts and a rectilinearly movable switching member including an insulating element and a conducting element carried by the insulating element and normally engaging the said stationary switch contacts to establish a circuit between them, means for rectilinearly moving "the switchin parallelly with the rear wallof the cabinet, and a guard member normally preventing access through the cover opening to conductin parts within the cabinet other than the sai fuse contacts, the said guard member being movable out of its normal position to permit access to the switching device and being held by the cover moveable.

29-. In an enclosed fused switch, the combination of an enclosing cabinet havigg an openable front coverwith an opening herein,,a pair of fuse receiving contacts mounted g member. approximately whe nclosed so that it is not so 1n the cabinet in; position to be accessible I through the said opening in the cabinet cover when the cover is closed, a switching device in the cabinet behind a transverse vertical plane at the rear of the fuse contacts comprising a pair of opposed stationary switch contacts,

and a rectilinearly movable switching member including an insulating element and a conducting element carried by the insulating element andnormallyeng'aging the said stationary switch contacts to establish a circuit between them, the said switching member being bodily removable from the stationary switch contacts in the forward direction while the said fuse contacts, remain in normal po sitions, means for rectilinearlymoving the switching member approximately parallelly s with the rear wall of thecabinet, and a guard member normally preventing access through the cover opening to conducting parts within the cabinet other. than the said fuse contacts, the said guard member beingmovable out of its normal position to permit removal of the switching member in the forward direction as aforesaid and being held by the cover when closed so that it is not so movable.

30. In an enclosing fused switch, the combination of-an enclosing cabinet havlng an openable front cover'with an opening therein,

a. pair of fuse receiving contacts mounted in the cabinet in posltion to be accessible through the said opening in the cabinet cover when the cover is closed, a switching device in the cabinet behind a transverse vertical plane at the rear of the fuse contacts comprising apair of opposed stationary switch contacts and a rectilinearly movable switching member including an insulating element and a conducting element carried by the insulating element and normally engaging the said stationary-switch contacts to establish a circuit between them, means for rectilinearly moving the switching member approximately p'arallelly with the rear wall of the cabinet, a

bination of an enclosing cabinet having an openable front cover with an opening therein, a plurality of supporting elements extending forward from the rear wall of the cabinet, a pair of fuse receiving contacts directly mounted upon and contacting with two of the said elements respectively-at the forward portions thereof, the said contactsbeing in position to be accessible through the said opening in the cabinet cover when the cover is closed, a switching device in the cabinet behind a transversevertical plane at the rear of the fuse contacts 'comprisinga pair of opposed stationary switch contacts and a rectilinearly movable switching member including an insulating element and a conducting element carried by the insulating element and normally engaging the said stationary switch contacts to establish a' circuit between them,.

' means for rectilinearly moving the switching member approximately. parallelly with the rear wall of the cabinet, aguard member associated with the cabinet cover at the opening therein to prevent access through the opening to conducting parts within the cabinet other than the said fuse contacts, and means for removably. connecting the guard directly with the said supporting elements 1ndependently of the fuse contacts.

' JOSEPH SACHS. 

